Don’t Tell Fleas and Ticks, but It’s Time to Focus on Parasite Prevention

Dog and tick.

There’s a lot of ways to ruin a day, and chief among them definitely include a flea infestation or a tick bite. Both have the potential to cause serious problems in pets and people alike. As with most things in life where there is a clear and obvious solution, it is critical to address parasite prevention long before these bugs cause the unfortunate symptoms for which they are notorious.

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Smelly Paws? The Truth About Canine “Frito Feet”

Holding dog paw.

Dogs have their fair share of quirks. Most of the time, these little peculiarities add layers to an owner’s amusement and appreciation. Regarding things out of their control, such as smelly paws, we can choose to accept these characteristics or figure out creative ways to deal with them. The good news is that the corn chip odor coming from their paws is not causing any pain or long-term harm. This means that owners are simply left with the mystery of why their dog’s feet smell like Fritos and what they can do to reduce the funky odor.

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Rattlesnake Safety Tips That Could Save Your Pet’s Life

El Dorado Hills rattlesnake.

Northern California residents are no strangers to the potential of encountering a rattlesnake on a hike, in a park, or sometimes even hanging out in our own yards. Although we know to stay away when we hear a warning rattle from a nearby snake, we cannot be sure how our pets will react to these creatures until the situation arises. Your friends at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital want to help you act quickly if you encounter a rattlesnake with your pets nearby:

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Safe Alternatives to Cat Declawing

Cat clawing at sofa.

Dozens of countries around the world have banned cat declawing, but only the American states of New York and Maryland have legally outlawed this controversial surgical procedure. That doesn’t mean there aren’t numerous national organizations working to raise awareness of the painful effect this practice has on our feline companions. While once widely regarded as a safe and humane procedure, few feline practitioners recommend cat declawing today. 

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Start Your Pet’s New Year Off Right

Dog out jogging

Whether you’re a cat or dog owner, there’s no denying that pets are an important part of our families. And just like any family member, they deserve our attention and love.

Here are our tips for pet owners to ensure your furry friends get off to a great start in 2023.

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Caring for Your Pet When You Work 9 to 5

Dog in crate.

Are you looking for a new best friend? Dogs offer companionship and can even give your health and happiness a boost.

And if you work 9-5? Dogs are adaptable and resilient, and the right dog can be a perfect pet for single people with busy schedules—even those who work eight hours a day.

Here are some tips on how to keep your dog healthy while juggling work commitments.

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Pet Do’s and Don’ts: The Holiday Edition

Dog and cat under Christmas tree.

Between Christmas and the other holidays that fall at the end of the year, you are probably pretty busy. That doesn’t mean that your pet care should fall through the cracks, though. MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital has our list of do’s and don’ts to make sure that your pet safety around the holidays remains top notch, no matter how crazy things get.

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How to Make Your Own Pet First-Aid Kit

Dalmatian puppy with first aid kit.

Your pet is a member of your family. You love your pets, care for them, and want to keep them safe. But what happens if they get injured or sick? In some cases, you may not be able to get your dog or cat to the vet right away, so it’s essential to have a basic pet first-aid kit on hand.

For your pet’s safety in the event of an emergency, the American Red Cross recommends keeping a pet first-aid kit stocked and ready, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy one from an expensive store or specialist retailer. Here’s how you can make your own:

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Preparing for An Upcoming Pet Wellness Exam

Older dog getting a wellness exam.

As with most important appointments, there’s a lot to cover during a routine pet wellness exam. While we move through the many topics relevant to each individual pet’s health and well-being, it is possible that a couple items get inadvertently overlooked. To ensure that all of your questions and concerns are properly addressed, we recommend jotting down important questions and concerns in a notebook (whether digital or on paper). We strive to exceed expectations, and we hope both you and your pet get the most out of an upcoming pet wellness exam. 

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